Tottenham are ready to move for one Premier League player in January, and former Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate believes he's a "Rolls-Royce".
Spurs making transfer plans
Boosted by the arrival of new technical director Johan Lange, who officially began his new role at the start of this month, it will be interesting to see how the Lilywhites look to strengthen in January. Ange Postecoglou has already turned many heads with his start to life at Spurs, with his side winning eight out of their opening 10 league games while remaining unbeaten.
Tottenham's electric start to the campaign is just that, but injuries to key players are always a real danger. Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have thrived at the heart of Postecoglou's defence, but with Eric Dier being the only option behind them, reports suggest Spurs are after a new centre-back. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is liked by Tottenham as an option, while it is believed Postecoglou is also after a left-wing alternative to Dejan Kulusevski.
Indeed, the Australian is apparently keen on Jota from Al-Ittihad to shore up that position of the squad. It hasn't been entirely ruled out that Spurs could make a move to replace Harry Kane in 2024 as well.
Tottenham "ready" to move for Kelly in January
However, central defence is thought to be a main priority, as talkSPORT and journalist Alex Crook explain this week. According to their information, Spurs are "ready to revisit" Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth as a target in the winter window. The 25-year-old was targeted late in the summer window as cover for the likes of van de Ven and Romero, but a move failed to materialise.
lloyd-kelly
However, it is believed that the north Londoners are willing to reignite the possibility of signing him mid-season. Postecoglou's side had lodged a £20 million bid near the end of the summer, but it was rejected, and it looks like Bournemouth may put up a similar fight to keep him this time round as well. Kelly's contract expires in 2024, but it's claimed Andoni Iraola's side would rather risk losing the player on a Bosman.
The Englishman has been praised for his contributions at Bournemouth in recent seasons, with former boss Scott Parker saying Kelly is a "quality" defender to have.
"I think Lloyd Kelly has got the attributes and the ability to be a top Premier League centre-half. And I think we are blessed and very, very lucky to have someone of his quality, really," he told Bournemouth's official website.
"You take players like Lloyd probably for granted in the sense of he makes things look very effortless and easy. And when you're watching him on the eye, you put someone else in that position of a ball down the side of a defender or one in the channel and getting in a foot race, he makes it look very easy, that you probably never appreciate it."
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
Meanwhile, ex-Spurs centre-half Jonathan Woodgate has called Kelly a "Rolls-Royce".
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“Lloyd can look like a Rolls-Royce at times," he said.
"It is all a matter of consistency how far he goes in the game. If he goes on performing like that a lot of Premier League clubs are going to take notice."
It has been reported that a "sensational" player could well leave Arsenal in January after being left "frustrated" by a Mikel Arteta call.
Arsenal form this season
The Gunners and north London rivals Tottenham remain the Premier League's only unbeaten sides following their excellent starts, with Arteta's side boating six wins from their opening nine top-flight encounters. That record was greatly threatened by Chelsea last Sunday, though, who took a 2-0 lead against them after Arsenal's arguable worst first half of the campaign so far. Arsenal did stick in long enough for two quick-fire goals to hand them a 2-2 draw, courtesy of late strikes from both summer signing Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
"We changed the level after 20, 25 minutes, especially in the second half then it’s a different game," said Arteta after the game.
"We became a much better team even though we conceded the second goal and it’s a disappointment. The way the team reacted to the second goal is phenomenal from the players on the pitch and the players on the bench thinking how the hell am I going to change this game. I loved that. I really liked as well going into the dressing room and it’s really quiet, after drawing 2-2 with Chelsea and coming back from 2-0 down, because I know that they wanted more. That’s the positive."
Building upon that, the Gunners got their Champions League campaign back on track with a 2-1 win away to last season's Europa League winners Sevilla on Tuesday evening.
Who could leave Arsenal in January?
Star players like Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and others have proved pivotal for Arteta this season, but the same cannot be said for the likes of Thomas Partey, despite being very important for Arsenal last campaign. The Ghanaian, partly due to injury, has found consistent starting places difficult to come by and also missed last night's clash through unavailability.
However, despite this, a report from 90min this week has shared the latest update on Partey and his future; stating he has grown "frustrated" by a lack of consistent starting opportunities. As a result, if things don't improve in this regard, it is believed the former Atletico Madrid star could consider leaving in January. It's added that his camp have grown increasingly "agitated" at the lack of chances for Partey.
Partey actually started three matches as a makeshift right-back before being sidelined earlier in the season, and returned from injury in their 1-0 win over Man City prior to internationals. However, he was unused substitute against Chelsea, with Jorginho being preferred ahead of him.
Thomas Partey strengths
Passing
Aerial duels
Long shots
Dribbling
Tackling
There is no doubting the 30-year-old's quality, though, with La Liga expert Gerry Armstrong calling him "sensational" and Ray Parlour once branding Partey a "very efficient" and "mobile" player.
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"I think Partey has been so important," said Parlour last year.
"If Arsenal are going to go anywhere near trying to win a title, he’s got to stay fit because last season, he had so many injuries. But he’s been real instrumental in that midfield, just keeping it ticking over, very efficient player, can get around the pitch, very mobile."
Sunderland are back in Championship action this weekend, but they have been dealt some bad injury news before the game, courtesy of reliable journalist James Hunter.
Stoke vs Sunderland team news
The Black Cats endured a terrible result before the international break, losing 4-0 at home to local rivals Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light, in a scoreline that few saw coming.
While this was undoubtedly a big setback, Sunderland are still in a strong position in the grander scheme of things, sitting fourth in the Championship table and looking like strong contenders to at least seal a place in the playoffs.
The key now is for Tony Mowbray's side to produce a big response to the Middlesbrough defeat on Saturday afternoon, as they make the trip to Stoke City, who are currently in 21st position, languishing just above the relegation zone.
Sunderland aren't without injury problems heading into the game, with Aji Alese, Timothee Pembele, Dennis Cirkin and Eliezer Mayenda missing of late, and doubts surrounding the involvement of Pierre Ekwah, Alex Pritchard and Bradley Dack this weekend.
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Sunderland injury updates
Taking to X on Thursday, Hunter dropped a new injury update, saying the Alese and Pembele Sunderland injuries mean they have been ruled out of the Stoke game: "Injury setbacks for Alese and Pembele. Better news on Cirkin and Mayenda."
Providing more information regarding the Sunderland injuries for The Chronicle, Hunter said: "Aji Alese and Timothee Pembele have suffered injury setbacks which will further delay their integration into Sunderland's Championship campaign.
"Centre-back Alese was back in training and nearing full fitness but has now aggravated the thigh injury that has sidelined him since his involvement in the Black Cats' play-off semi-final defeat at Luton Town in May and will need an extra couple of weeks to recover, with boss Tony Mowbray determined to avoid bringing him back too soon given how things panned out at the end of last season.
"And deadline day signing from Paris St-Germain Pembele was making good progress as he built his fitness following a long-term knee injury, but the full-back has also run into problems which will keep him out for at least another month."
Not having both Alese and Dembele available for the trip to Stoke to an undoubted blow for Sunderland, with the duo both seen as important figures who are key to their side's promotion push this season.
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The former has made 24 appearances for the Black Cats since signing for them last year, but Alese's statistics make for grim reading so far this season, with injuries meaning he hasn't played a single minute of action.
Meanwhile, the latter joined from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window, being seen as an exciting addition, but he is another whose absence has been a big blow, resulting in no minutes played to date (Pembele's stats).
The hope is that they are back sooner rather than later, but on the plus side, Mowbray's men have still shown that they can pick up positive results without them in the team. As the season goes on, though, as much depth as possible will be vital, as legs begin to tire and fixtures come thick and fast.
Everton have an abundance of talent on show at Goodison Park, however Sean Dyche continues the battle to unearth his best XI.
The Toffees have struggled over the years to remain comfortable in their Premier League status, however have managed to secure survival in the dying embers in consecutive campaign’s, with the hope that change can be identified this term.
One area that has hindered the path of progression at Goodison is the squad’s difficulty in scoring, with the Blues ending the 2022/23 season as the league’s second-lowest scorers with just 35 goals in 38 games.
Everton manager SeanDyche
Dyche has finally begun to combat the woes in the final third, with Everton scoring seven in their previous three league fixtures, however there’s plenty of room for improvement, which could come from a spark already inside the club.
From Wayne Rooney to Francis Jeffers, Everton’s academy has unearthed some stellar talent over the years, with one shining star having the keys to one day get among the goals at Goodison.
Who is George Morgan?
17-year-old academy striker George Morgan was this week named in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation 2023’ list, in which a young talent is selected from each Premier League club to be tipped to become the next big thing.
Born in Milton Keynes, but representing Wales at international level, the forward currently represents Leighton Baines’ U18 squad at Everton, and has made a fast start to the 2023/24 campaign.
In his four appearances in the U18 Premier League so far, the Welshman has scored two goals, both coming against Sunderland U18 during a 3-0 win, the Toffees’ first victory of the campaign.
Described on Everton’s official site as being a starlet that models his game on Polish talisman Robert Lewandowski, the young forward identifies his “power, speed and finishing” as the strongest areas of his game.
What could the future hold for George Morgan?
Being the son of former Wales international Craig Morgan, the 2006-born marvel knows exactly what it takes to become a professional at the sport.
Despite Everton’s recent woes, the guidance of a former player as accomplished as Baines could hand Morgan the blueprint to one day break into the first team at Goodison.
Everton's Leighton Baines
The club have some young talents currently succeeding in the squad, with the likes of 21-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite being an individual that has “impressed” so far this season, as per former Toffee Trevor Steven.
While the defender has been one to watch and one for academy players to be inspired by due to his tender age, Morgan has his sights set on replicating one star in particular, with the teenager naming his favourite Blue as Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Signed by Everton as a 19-year-old in 2016, Calvert-Lewin has become one of Goodison’s prized forwards over the years, scoring 49 goals in the Premier League between the club’s struggles and his own battles with injury.
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The assumed benchmark for aspiring strikers on Merseyside is to replicate the success of the 26-year-old, who elevated his game in the top flight with the Blues, seeing him dubbed a “top striker” by former boss and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Although Dyche welcomed a new striker in Beto this summer, the 25-year-old is yet to claim a Premier League goal after five appearances, and although it’s still the early days into his career, there could still be an opportunity for another talisman to break into the first team.
If the former Udinese forward takes time to adapt, as many players do, there could be a chance in the near future for a rising talent such as Morgan to pounce on the chance to break through.
At just 17 years old, the forward has a long way to go on his journey to becoming a professional in the English top-flight, however taking into consideration the questionable demographic of strikers at Goodison today, who knows just how quickly good form and hard work could speed up the process.
Newcastle United can make their squad even stronger in the coming transfer windows, and they are plotting a move for one former target, according to a fresh update.
How are Newcastle doing this season?
The Magpies have steadied the ship impressively in recent weeks, having made a disappointing start to the season that saw several defeats come their way. On Saturday afternoon, Eddie Howe's side picked up a solid 2-0 win at home to Burnley in the Premier League, meaning they have now won four of their last five matches in all competitions, including a remarkable 8-0 victory away to Sheffield United. They have jumped to eighth place in the table, while attention now turns to a mouthwatering Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain at St James' Park on Wednesday night.
While things have turned around for the better for Newcastle, their squad could still be strengthened further, with the January window allowing them to bring in new faces. A new transfer claim now suggests that PIF could be in the market for a former target, as they look to acquire the services of a fellow Premier League player.
St James' Park
Who do Newcastle want to sign?
According to Football Insider, Newcastle are eyeing a possible move for Crystal Palace centre-back Joachim Andersen in January, having already reportedly had a bid turned down for him in the summer:
"Newcastle United are closely monitoring Crystal Palace star Joachim Andersen ahead of the January transfer window, Football Insider has been told. The Magpies have held a long-term interest in the centre-back, 27, and submitted a late summer bid that was rejected by Palace.
"However, Newcastle remain keen to strengthen their defensive department in January and are willing to return to the table with an offer for Andersen’s signature. It is understood that Andersen remains one of Newcastle’s top targets for the January window."
Andersen has been a great player for Palace since arriving at the club, scoring the winning goal away to Manchester United on Saturday, but impressing more with his defensive expertise week in, week out. A towering individual who can be a dominant figure, Andersen has won an average of three aerial duels per game in the Premier League this season, as well as averaging an eye-catching 6.1 clearances per match, and he also appeared three times for Denmark at the 2022 World Cup.
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For that reason, Andersen could be an ideal January addition for Newcastle, coming in as a perfect centre-back partner for Sven Botman, and possibly acting as an upgrade on Fabian Schar, if not extremely strong competition at the very least.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has described the Dane as "brilliant" this year, and the fact that he has the same agent as Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope could potentially help with negotiations. At 27 years of age, he is a centre-back who has been at the peak of his powers recently, something his Transfermarkt valuation shows, and one who now knows the Premier League well, so you could say the positives easily outweigh the negatives when it comes to Newcastle making a move for him when the January window opens.
Newcastle United have made a breakthrough in discussions with one of their players regarding a new contract according to a reliable journalist, but there are still clubs interested in signing him.
Who have Newcastle signed in 2023?
PIF and Eddie Howe recruited five fresh faces over the summer in the form of Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Yankuba Minteh on a permanent basis, whilst Lewis Hall put pen to paper on a season-long loan from Premier League rivals Chelsea, as per Transfermarkt.
The Magpies have also recently been boosted by the news that Callum Wilson has signed a one-year deal extension meaning that he will remain at the club until at least 2025, but he’s not the only star already in the building that is set to commit his future to the northeast side.
Back in May, 90min reported that Bruno Guimaraes had been in talks for months over a new contract, but having attracted interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid since, the two parties are yet to reach a full agreement.
The Brazil international has been a revelation during his 63 appearances since first joining from Lyon back in January 2022, and if the following update is to be believed, the defensive midfielder is one step closer to putting an even bigger smile on the faces of supporters.
Is Bruno signing a new contract at Newcastle?
Writing in his article for TEAMtalk, Graeme Bailey confirmed that Newcastle and Guimaraes have progressed in negotiations over his improved terms, with both sides hoping to finalise terms before Christmas in December. He said:
“Sources close to this deal had become frustrated that the contract was not signed before the end of last season. Now talks have accelerated again and the belief now is that the deal will be finalised sooner rather than later.
"Bruno’s people insist that his needs have never been overly demanding and Newcastle do want to recognise his importance to the club. It can’t be underestimated how happy they are with him and how important he is to them.”
Newcastle United midfielderBruno Guimaraes.
What is Bruno's style of play?
First of all, Newcastle will admire the “leader” that Guimaraes is on the pitch, as described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, but it’s his ability to make an equally positive impact at both ends of the pitch that make him such a well-rounded and in-demand player.
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The Bertolucci Sports client, who currently earns £120k-per-week, has made nine tackles so far this season which is the second-highest total throughout the squad behind Dan Burn, via FBRef, but he’s also posted 16 goal contributions (ten goals and six assists) since joining.
Furthermore, the 25-year-old has the ability to operate at centre-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role sitting in front of the backline which makes sense as to why he’s so strong all over the pitch, and it would be a massive coup if he was to sign on the dotted line for the Magpies.
One Manchester City midfielder still wants to join a new side, but there are a number of barriers blocking his departure, according to a report from Spain.
What year does Bernardo Silva's contract end?
Back in August, Bernardo Silva signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2026, ending the speculation that he may choose to leave Man City after over six years at the club. Speaking after penning his new deal, the midfielder said:
“I’ve had six incredible years at Manchester City and I’m delighted to extend my time here,”
“Winning the Treble last season was extremely special and it’s exciting to be part of a squad where there is such a hunger and passion.
A move to Barcelona has been touted as a possibility for quite some time, with reports from the summer of 2022 detailing the La Liga giants were "fully convinced" they could sign the Portugal international, who was believed to be homesick.
There was also interest from the Saudi Pro League, with the 29-year-old said to be "on the cusp of a move to the Middle East" at one stage, but he ultimately opted to commit his immediate future to the Sky Blues.
However, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, a move away could still be on the cards, with the Spanish publication revealing a release clause of around €58.5m (£50.2m) was included in the maestro's most recent contract.
The report states "the Portuguese player's desire continues to be to sign for Barca", with a move still possible next summer, but time is running out, given that he will be 30 years of age by that point, which means the Catalonian club may be unwilling to shell out a large fee.
Not only that, but Barcelona have a "delicate economic situation", which suggests they may not be able to match the release clause, despite desire on the player's behalf to make it happen. It remains to be seen whether Barca renew their interest, but they will now be well aware they only need to pay £50m to prise him away from City.
Is Bernardo Silva leaving Man City?
Given that the star is contracted until 2026, Man City remain in a decent negotiating position, as would-be suitors may be unwilling to shell out £50m on a player who will be 30 at the beginning of next season.
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However, the Lisbon-born midfielder has previously opened up about feeling homesick, while also adding that he would love to go back and play for Benfica in the not so distant future.
As such, it would not be a surprise if Silva seeks a move next summer, and City would be losing a top player, who Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has described as "exceptional."
Last season, the attacking midfielder was an integral player for Pep Guardiola en route to winning the treble, making 55 appearances in all competitions, and the manager will be hoping he can have a similar impact on Man City's ongoing campaign, but his long term future could be one to watch.
Brighton & Hove Albion have begun their season in emphatic fashion, notching up an impressive four victories from their first five, including wins over Luton Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
The Seagulls took flight last season and successfully landed on the prize of Europa League football, carrying that scintillating form into this campaign as they aim to go one better by qualifying for the Champions League.
Brighton's meteoric rise on the South Coast has been formed from the humble foundations laid by chairman Tony Bloom, scouring leagues outside of Europe for the best young talent and landing their chequebook on the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Yves Bissouma, who arrived as unknown quantities, developed into stars at the Amex before being sold for substantial amounts of money.
Who are Brighton's most sought-after talents?
While those who departed left a legacy at the football club, the remaining stars are creating one, as Kaoru Mitoma, Pervis Estupinan and Evan Ferguson were all acquired for low fees and have since seen their value skyrocket after producing moments of brilliance for the club.
The latter of that trio has taken brilliance to a new level, becoming only the fourth 18-year-old to score a hat-trick in the Premier League with the club slapping a £120m price tag on the Republic of Ireland international.
With Brighton doing their best to scare the big clubs away from the teenage prodigy, Ferguson is threatening to become the latest triple-figure asset to be sold by the club, but he isn't the only talented Republic of Ireland youngster they have at their disposal.
Academy star Mark O'Mahony is making a name for himself in the youth setup.
Who is Mark O'Mahony?
In January, Brighton sent their scouts to Ireland, and they came back with who they thought would be the next young prodigy from that part of the world as Mark O'Mahony left Cork City and signed a contract with the Seagulls until June 2025.
Praised by his former manager Colin Healy for being a "very talented" player, the 18-year-old showcased that talent by being named the FAI’s U17 Men’s International Player of the Year for 2022 having chalked up six goals in ten appearances for the Republic of Ireland U17's.
Having shone on the international stage for his country, the teenage sensation has translated that form to club level with an impressive five goals in his first four appearances for the Brighton U21s this season, one behind Premier League 2's top scorer, Dom Ballard.
Following his nomination for the Player of the Month award in PL2, O'Mahony has received plaudits for his excellent form, with journalist Dylan O'Connell labelling him as "one to watch".
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Fellow Irishman, Ferguson, chalked up 18 goals in 39 appearances for Brighton's U21 and has since gone on to show his prolific nature in the Premier League.
Indeed, he already has four goals in five this season – and if O'Mahony can carry on his rich vein of form, he could make a rapid rise to stardom, following in his fellow countrymen's footsteps.
Aston Villa achieved a successful summer in the transfer window, bolstering the squad in a host of areas to better their chances at improving on last season's highs.
Five new faces have arrived on the scene during the window, with Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Clement Lenglet joining Unai Emery on his quest to take Villa to the next level.
Making impressive signings would not have been possible without the Spaniard’s intervention following his arrival at Villa Park in October 2022, where he has since transformed the club in ways beyond in-play performance.
Aston Villa summer signings
Player
Club
Fee
Youri Tielemans
Leicester City
Free
Pau Torres
Villarreal
£33m
Moussa Diaby
Bayer Leverkusen
£51.9m
Nicolo Zaniolo
Galatasaray
Loan
Clement Lenglet
Barcelona
Loan
Figures via Sky Sports.
The Midlands club have been granted a new lease of life thanks to the 51-year-old’s objectives for his side, bringing with him a stellar CV that has ultimately helped to attract some star names to join his project.
Despite bringing in such a calibre of talent, as well as smashing the club's record transfer fee to obtain the £51.9m signature of Diaby, there were some targets that could not be collected by Emery and Monchi this summer.
Last month, one name was rumoured to be of interest to the Villans, as midfielder Tyler Adams was speculated to be on the manager’s and Monchi's radar, in a move that could have prevailed to have a strong outcome for Villa.
Did Aston Villa nearly sign Tyler Adams?
Reported by Football Insider in August, it was claimed that the Midlands side were ‘exploring a potential move’ for the former Leeds United midfielder, who joined a host of players who were hoping to depart Elland Road.
The Whites’ relegation to the Championship called time on a number of players’ futures at the club, with Adams being one of them eager to leave to avoid playing in the second tier.
Luckily for the United States international, a £20m relegation release clause was in place in his contract with the Yorkshire club, making him an affordable asset for interested parties to consider.
Villa looked to be in the race to sign the American, however, Chelsea seemed to get their first, as it was reported that the Blues were closing in on the 24-year-old.
Things took a quick turn, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side pulled the plug on the deal after the midfielder’s medical, with the Daily Mail reporting their concerns over his ongoing hamstring injury.
It didn’t take long for the former RB Leipzig star to find a new club after the west Londoners’ snub, as Bournemouth activated his release clause to secure his signature on a five-year deal.
The American is back in the Premier League, however after making such an impact in his debut campaign at Elland Road, it poses the question of just how much of a strong acquisition he would have been under Emery.
What is Tyler Adams’ market value?
Valued at €38.3m (£32.9m) by Football Transfers, Villa could have sealed a bargain in Adams, whose release clause was a price far lower than the figure reflective of his form.
At just 24, the combative midfielder has experience playing in his home nation in the MLS, as well as the Bundesliga and of course, the Premier League, where he made 24 appearances for Leeds.
Lauded as a “monster” by former defender and fellow countryman Alexi Lalas, the United States ace is highly-regarded back home, captaining his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar aged just 23.
With strong leadership ability and a rounded skill set in the engine room, the New York-born gem could have sparkled in Emery’s midfield, considering that the Spaniard recruited in such a position earlier in the window.
Who do Aston Villa have in that position?
Before the summer transfer window officially opened, Villa announced that they had reached an agreement to sign former Leicester City marvel Youri Tielemans, as the central midfielder’s contract expired with the Foxes.
A middle of the park maestro that had just suffered relegation from the Premier League, the Belgian had a similar claim to the club to their later rumoured target in Adams.
Former Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans.
Deployed more typically in a slightly more advanced role to that inhabited by the American, Tielemans signed to seek relief from relegation, however, he hasn’t had a chance to show his worth yet under Emery.
Speaking in a recent press conference, relayed by Football 365, the former Anderlecht star admitted that his situation at Villa Park is “not pleasant”, as he still waits to earn his first Premier League start for the claret and blues.
The player believes the reason behind his absence to be down to the manager’s preference to play two in midfield, with enforcers Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara fitting the demographic of a combative presence better.
Should Aston Villa have signed Tyler Adams?
There were rumours in the summer that Luiz, Villa’s favoured midfielder, was attracting interest from the capital, with The Sun reporting that both Arsenal and Tottenham were eyeing his movements.
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In the instance that the Brazilian was to leave Villa Park one day in the future, Tielemans would get a clearer path to being a crucial member of the midfield, which poses the question as to whether Adams would have been a better fit from the off.
Last season, the former Leeds dominator ranked in the top 3% of midfielders in the Premier League with reference to his rate of tackles per 90, in which he averaged a stellar 3.72 per 90, via FBref.
Tielemans, while eye-catching from a technical point of view is not so good at that part of the game, averaging below Adams but still impressively with 2.53 tackles per 90 in the same campaign with Leicester. However, his numbers fell glaringly short of those of Adams, telling of what Emery could have got in the American considering the role he wants his midfield duo to undertake.
Instead, the Belgian is heralded for his passing ability, but the Bournemouth man actually topped the Villa outsider in terms of his average pass completion rate per 90, recording 82.5% to his 80.3%.
There’s no denying the quality that Tielemans has in his locker, but with him missing out on minutes due to Emery’s preference to field the two holding midfielders, the Spaniard could have hired the player that fits his wishes better in Adams.
Adding in the fact that sides interested in Luiz may come knocking for the Brazilian again in the winter and beyond, the former Arsenal boss could have had a reassuring defensive presence in the American.
There are of course many factors to the reported interest, with the fact remaining that the Villans have got a seasoned midfielder in Tielemans despite missing out on Adams, however only time will tell if Emery lives to regret not pushing for the 24-year-old.
Journalist Paul Brown has shared some detail behind a "serious" last-gasp deadline day Fulham bid to sign Tottenham star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Fulham deadline day signings
Despite the links to a plethora of stars very late in the window, Fulham did little business yesterday but did manage to seal a dramatic late loan move for AC Milan defender Fode Ballo-Toure.
The Senegal international, who plays as a left-back, joins Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Calvin Bassey, Steven Benda, Alex Iwobi and former Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne as Marco Silva's main summer signings.
Fulham were also boosted by star midfielder Joao Palhinha remaining at the club, as his proposed move to Bayern Munich collapsed in the eleventh hour.
The Portugal international had even travelled for a medical with Bayern, but the Whites ultimately didn't give the green light to the move, possibly because they couldn't source a late replacement.
Hojbjerg, who was a mainstay for Spurs under Antonio Conte last season, has found game time difficult to come by in Ange Postecoglou's new-look Tottenham system.
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
The Dane, as a result, was being chased by Fulham during the latter stages of the summer window – with journalist Brown sharing what he's heard on the matter to GiveMeSport.
Indeed, it is believed Fulham were the "last club" to make a "serious" last-ditch offer to sign Hojbjerg, but the move didn't come to fruition.
The former Southampton star is now left in "limbo" as a result of this, as explained by Brown to GMS:
“Hojbjerg is also one who isn't going to be allowed to leave. I think Fulham were the last club to make a serious offer, but they no longer need to decide what to do about how they replace Joao Palhinha, and I'm not sure he was their first choice there.
“So, he's currently in limbo. It is interesting that Ange Postecoglou also said today that he's not going to be freezing anyone out. If any of the fringe players they're trying to sell end up staying beyond the deadline, they will be reintegrated.
“He's not quite as strict on squad numbers as other managers and he is willing to work with a slightly bigger squad, while he says that right now it's not a problem in terms of numbers in training or anything like that.
How good is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?
Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
While Palhinha staying reduces the need for Hojbjerg, in a hypothetical universe, he may well have been a capable deputy for the ex-Sporting CP ace.
The Denmark international ranked as one of Spurs' best-performing players per 90 last term, according to WhoScored, with Hojbjerg also registering the highest pass accuracy (88.6%) of any Tottenham player with over 10 starts.
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He chipped in with nine goal contributions in the league, four goals and five assists specifically, and former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson praised Hojbjerg for his performances at the back end of last year.
"I’ve been surprised by how much he has stepped up this year," said Robinson to Football Insider.
“I thought he was the one who would make way for Yves Bissouma. The club spent a lot of money on Bissouma. I think Hojbjerg recognised that and stepped up.
“He is playing to a level that we have never seen before. He is playing his best football in a Spurs shirt."